THE CALENDAR

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Dates, times and locations are subject to last-minute changes, so we suggest calling before attending events.

Holiday Happenings

The Polar Express Pajama Party Nov 7, 5:30pm Fri; 1pm, 5:30pm Sat; 3pm Sun. 1.5-hours of crafts and cocoa, followed by screening of The Polar Express, with a special guest from the North Pole afterward. Sensory-friendly showing Nov 28, 2pm. $15 advance, $20 day of. AtTheLegacy.com. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838- 3006.

Books & Authors

Hasia Diner Nov 7, 6:30pm Sat. Book signing and discussion of Jewish American history with Professor Diner. Free, reservations required. presidentlincoln. illinois.gov. Union Theater, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 782-5764.

Birthday Painting Party for Vachel Lindsay Nov 7, 1-4pm Sat. Local artist Kristin Jurgen leads visitors in painting a modern version of Lindsay’s “The Wedding of the Rose and the Lotus.” Free admission, $35 for painting party. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St., 524-0901.

Rooting: Poems and Short Stories by Robert Seufert Nov 12, 7pm Thu. Robert Seufert, professor emeritus of literature at

MacMurray College who has spent 50+ years creative writing. First of three performances in series. Free. oldschoolmuseum.org. The Old School Museum, 110 E. Cherry St., Winchester, 742-8090.

Book Reading/Signing Nov 12, 5:30-7:30pm Thu. Authors John Knopfl e, Barb Olson and Sandy Baksys sign and read from their new books. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 528-4311.

Theater & Comedy

Comedians Mikey Mason and Michael Brown Nov 6-7, 8:30-10pm Fri, 8-10:30pm Sat. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233.

ELF The Musical Nov 6-7, 8pm Fri, 2pm Sat. Hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child on a quest to fi nd his birth father and spread the true meaning of Christmas. Based on the 2003 New Line Cinema hit movie. sangamonauditorium. org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160. Greg Tamblyn Nov 7, 7pm Sat. “A Healthy Dose of Comic Relief.” Blend of musical wit provides “the perfect dose of conscious comic relief from the workday blues, global anxiety and personal challenges.” $15. Unity of Springfi eld, 417 Cordelia, 523-5897.

Into the Woods Nov 6, 7:30pm Fri. Brothers Grimminspired musical by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s. Performed by students of Glenwood High School. $8 adults, $6 students and seniors. Glenwood High School, 1501 Plummer Boulevard, Chatham, 483-2424.

Kim Russo: Psychic Medium Nov 7, 8pm Sat. Current host of the weekly series “The Haunting Of...” on The LMN channel. Kim will speak of her work with the spirit world and conduct random readings of audience members. $35 in advance, $40 day of. atthelegacy. com. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.

Second City: Fully Loaded Nov 7, 5pm, 8pm Sat. Comedy stars in the making perform classic material from the Second City archives plus scenes lifted from morning headlines. Tickets: $25-30. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

The Importance of Being Earnest Nov 5-7, 7:30pm Thu-Sat, 2pm Sun. Play by Oscar Wilde. Two young Englishmen create alter egos with hopes of adding some excitment to their lives. $14 adults, $12 seniors, $10 faculty/staff, $8 students. uis.edu/theatre. UIS Studio Theatre, One University Plaza, 206-6160.

Your Swash is Unbuckled Nov 11-13, 8pm Wed-Fri. Presented by LLCC Theatre. Collection of nine short, humorous plays by Jeff Goode. $18 adults, $16 seniors, $10 students with ID. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787. Music: General Events Gungor Nov 6, 7pm Fri. Grammynominated musical collective duo. $15 general admission, $25 reserved seating. 243-6445. First Christian Church, 2106 S. Main St., Jacksonville.

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis Nov 12, 7:30pm Thu. Christmas music with dazzling multimedia effects in an intimate setting. Created by Grammy Awardwinner Chip Davis. Admission.sangamonauditorium.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160.

Organist John W Sherer Nov 9, 4-5:30pm Mon. Concert by the organist of Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago. Music progragm is heralded by USA Today as one of the top ten places in America to be “enthralled by heavenly music.” Free. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut St., 522- 4415.

Art & Architecture

Buzz Spector Artist Talk Nov 5, 7pm Thu. Talk by Buzz Spector, internationally recognized visual artist and critical writer based in St. Louis. UIS Brookens Library, OneUniversity Plaza, 206-6633 info.

Buzz Spector Opening Reception Nov 6, 6-8:30pm Fri. St. Louisbased visual artist, internationally recognized for his work in a wide range of mediums including sculpture, photography, printmaking, book arts and installation. DEMO Project, 732 N. Fourth St., 206-6506.

10th Annual Dancing with the Starz Nov 7, 6-11pm Sat. Local celebrities, matched with professional dancers, compete for the trophy while raising funds for the Prairie Art Alliance. Elegant evening includes dinner, dancing and silent auction. 217- 544-2787. Plaza III - The Hilton, 700 E. Adams St. After 5 Live Nov 6, 5-7:30pm Fri. Showing of “Someone’s Family,” a collection of photographs by Pamela Houser. Free. Blue Connection, 117 N. Water St., Decatur, 428- 0112.

Exquisite Photography Exhibit Opening Nov 6, 5-7:30pm Fri. “Exquisite Detail,” featuring the photography of Barbara Hoffman and Sally Van Natta. Madden Arts Center, 125 N. Water St., Decatur, 423-3189.

First Friday Art Show Nov 6, 8-11:30pm Fri. Live music, art by local artists. Free. cafebrioonline.com. Cafe Brio, 524 E. Monroe St., 544-0574. Hope For The Holidays Fine Art/Craft Fair Nov 7-8, 10am-5pm Sat, 12-4pm Sun. Local and regional artists display and sell watercolor, mixed media, pottery, fi ber arts, photography, jewelry, handmade soaps and more. Free admission. Hope Presbyterian Church, 2211 Wabash Ave., 546- 6951.

Look Who’s Painting Nov 13, 6:30-9:30pm Fri. Auction of community personalities’ art projects, social mixer, more. Sponsored by Big Brothers Big Sisters. $25. bigmagic.org. 217- 243-3821. Bogart’s, 2142 Old State Road, Jacksonville, 245- 5757.

Meet the Jewelry Artists Nov 6, 5-8pm Fri. Studio on 6th, 215 S. Sixth St., 522-8006. Neo-Surrealism: Third Eye Opening Nov 13-14, 6-9pm Fri-Sat. Pharmacy group art exhibition featuring installation artist and painter Jessica Bingham plus music and visual artist Timothy Donavan Russell. pharmacygallery.com. 217-720- 2222. The Pharmacy Gallery & Art Space, 711 S. 5th St., 801-810- 9278.

Paint Your Quote Nov 10, 7-9pm Tue. Bring a quote to paint. Light refreshments, instruction, art materials provided. $25 in advance, $30 at door. rhiannonsarbor.com. 217-331- 2027. Track Shack, 233 E. Laurel St., 522-0444.

Pastel Society Annual Show Nov 13, 12-12am Fri. 217-483- 9030. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Film & Television

Route 66 Film Festival Nov 6-7, 6-11:59pm Fri, 9am-11:59pm Sat. New independent fi lms in all genres from around the world. Filmmakers and actors also attend. route66fi lmfestival.net. 217-679-1834. Capital City Bar & Grill, 3149 S. Dirksen Pkwy, 529-8580. Tokyo Story Nov 5, 6-9pm Thu. 1953 movie, directed by Yasujiro Ozu. Discussion led by Elizabeth Oyler, associate professor of Japanese and director of the Center for East Asian and Pacifi c Studies at UIUC. Part of LLCC’s East Asia Film and Lecture Series. Free. Trutter Center, Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-2200.

Children’s Corner

Discovery After Dark Nov 6, 7pm Fri. See the zoo in a different light during a guided, nocturnal tour. Advance registration required. Residents: $6 adults, $4 children. Non: $8.50 adults, $6.50 children. hensonrobinsonzoo.org. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 585-1821.

Hy-Vee Kids’ Club Nov 7, 10am-12pm Sat. “Eat Real and Move More” activities for your children. First Saturday of each month. Hosted by genHkids. Free. Hy-Vee, 2115 S. MacArthur Blvd, 726-1001. Junior Naturalist Program Nov 7, 9am-12pm Sat. Hands-on activities, games and outdoor investigations at Lincoln Memorial Gardens. For ages 6-9. $15. lincolnmemorialgarden.org. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 529-1111.

Schoolhouse Rock Live! JR Nov 13-15, Family-friendly revival of Emmy Award-winning 1970s Saturday morning educational cartoon. Featuring songs such as “Just A Bill,” “Interplanet Janet” and “Conjunction Junction.” A Springfi eld Theatre Centre White Rabbit production. $12. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

T-Rex Planet Nov 7-8, 10am-9pm Sat, 10am-7pm Sun. Dinosaurthemed indoor event featuring more than 40 life-size dinosaurs. Animatronic walking dinosaurs, dinosaur band, bounce houses, rides, fun activities for children. $17 adult, $19 children. trexplanet.com. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

Environment

What is a Sustainable University?

Nov 11, 6pm Wed. Presentation by Cynthia Klein-Banai, Associate Chancellor for Sustainability at UIC. Free. uis.edu/speakerseries. 217-206-8507. UIS Brookens Auditorium, One University Plaza, 206-6073. Lectures & Meetings

Beginnings and Endings: Tips for Writing the Trickiest Parts of Narrative Nov 8, 1-3pm Sun. Tips for overcoming hurdles in writing plus examples of effective beginnings and endings from published literary works. Led by fi ction writer Ted Morrissey. $10. Preregistration, vachellindsay@ gmail.com. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St., 524-0901.

Camera Club Nov 5, 7pm Thu. First and third Thursday of the month. Visitors always welcome. More info, 546- 5021 or [email protected]. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St., 528-3407. Catholic War Veterans Meeting Nov 12, 7-9pm Thu. 217-891- 8719. VFW 10302 Northenders, 2349 Stockyard Road, 523-7523.

Central Illinois Numismatic Association Nov 12, 7pm Thu. Monthly meeting. Public invited. Knights of Columbus Hall Council 4175, 2801 West St., 528-5740 . Chatham Jaycees Meeting Nov 5, 8-9pm Thu. 217-414- 9637. VFW Post #4763, 501 W. Mulberry, Chatham, 483-4613.

Dining for Women talk Nov 10, 7-9pm Tue. 217-787- 4675. Blessed Sacrament School, 1725 S. Walnut St.

GriefShare Grief Recovery Program Nov 11, 18, 6:30pm Wed. 13- week program utilizes video seminars, a support group and a workbook. Register, 414-0126 or griefshare.org. Athens Christian Church, 1411 E. Route 29, Athens, 636-8463.

Informational Meeting Cape Cod Trip Nov 10, 12, 6-7pm Tue, Thu. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason, 528-4035. Khalaf Al Habtoor Lecturer: Novelist Alice Randall Nov 12, 7pm Thu. Author, professor, songwriter Alice Randall on Atticus Revisited: Reading To Kill a Mockingbird and Go Set a Watchman While Black. An exploration of justice, diversity, peacebuilding, leadership and how literature can challenge us to explore race relations. 245-3427. Illinois College Sibert Theatre, McGaw Fine Arts Center, Jacksonville, 245-3000.

LGBT yOUTh Group Nov 6, 13, Fri, 6-10pm Fri. Phoenix Center, 109 E. Lawrence Ave., 528-5253.

Surviving the Holidays Nov 8, 1-3pm Sun. A GriefShare seminar. Support and acceptance for attendees grieving over the loss of a loved one in a safe environment. Advice video, discussion, Holiday Survival Guide, more. Registration, 899- 9418 or [email protected]. trinitylutheran.com. Trinity Lutheran School, 515 S. MacArthur, 787- 2323.

Vachel Lindsay Association Annual Meeting Nov 7, 5:30-7:30pm Sat. Buffet dinner, membership meeting, presentation by University of Pennsylvania doctoral student Chris Mustazza. $25 per person. Registration, vachellindsay@ gmail.com. vachellindsay.org. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 785-9363. WE-CI (Women Entrepreneurs of Central Illinois) Nov 10, 5:30-7:30pm Tue. 217- 787-5866. Brandt Consolidated, 2935 S. Koke Mill Road, 626- 1123.

Womens Overseas Service League Nov 10, 12:30-1:30pm Tue. 217-891-8719. American Legion Post 32, 1120 Sangamon Ave., 522-3110.

Bulletin Board

Grief Support Group, Healing Grief, Finding Peace Nov 6, 13. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut St., 522-4415. Home Decor Seminar Series Nov 7, 10:30-11:30am Sat. Learn about the latest decor trends. Tips, treats, prizes. Presented by Scheels Home Decor & Gift Lodge Experts. Free. Preregister, scheels.com/events. Scheels, 3801 S. MacArthur, 726-6330.

Annual Autumn Coin Show Nov 8, 9am-4pm Sun. 70 dealer tables featuring US and foreign coins, ancient and modern coins, gold and silver bullion, state quarters, paper money. Hosted by Central Illinois Numismatic Association. $1 admission, free to members and children 16 and under. 787-3241. Northfi eld Inn Suites and Conference Center, 3280 Northfi eld Dr., 523-7900.

Scheels Kids Klub - How to make Fudge Nov 9, 6-7pm Mon. Free. Scheels, 3801 S. MacArthur, 726-6330. Senior Naturalist Program Nov 7, 1-4pm Sat. Handson activities, games and outdoor investigations at Lincoln Memorial Gardens. For ages 9-12. $15. lincolnmemorialgarden.org. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 529-1111.

Starting Your Business in Illinois Nov 5, 6-8pm Thu. Learn about preparing a business plan, business fi nancing, legal forms, registering a business name and taxes. Hosted by Illinois Small Business Development Center at LLCC. Free. Registration, 544-7232. Capital City Training Center, 130 W. Mason.

Veterans Day Ceremony Nov 11, 12pm Wed. Reception at noon, ceremony at 12:30pm. Free. 786-2241. A. Lincoln Commons, Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-2200.

Veterans Resource Event Nov 10, 10am-3pm Tue. 217- 753-6681. Northfi eld Inn Suites and Conference Center, 3280 Northfi eld Dr., 523-7900. YMCA Trivia Night Nov 6, 6pm Fri. Springfi eld YMCA Gus & Flora Kerasotes Branch, 4550 West Iles Ave., 679-1625.

Food

Kegs, Corks and Forks Nov 6, 5-9pm Fri. Wines, local micro brews, delicious food, music, fun. Sponsored by Illinois National Bank. $10 at door, includes complimentary glass and 5 tasting tickets. 217-483-6450. Sangamon Prairie Reception Center, 8855 State Route 4, Chatham, 483-7999. Stopping Cancer Before It Starts Nov 10, 6:30-8pm Tue. Video featuring Michael Greger, MD. Sponsored by the Springfi eld Vegetarian Association. Free. 217-546-9171. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 753-4900.

Taste of Home Expo and Cooking School Nov 10, 4pm Tue. Local vendors expo at 4pm, cooking school at 7pm. Tickets: $50 VIP, $30 premium, $12 general admission. springfi eldpc3.com. Prairie Capital Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800- 745-3000.

History

African American Historical Tour of St. Louis Nov 7, 7:30am-6pm Sat. Threehour interactive tour with actors in costumes and characters who portray St. Louis personalities that left their mark on history. $85, includes lunch. 217-786- 2432. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-2200.

Great War Encampment Nov 7, 9am-5pm Sat. Indoor and outdoor exhibits featuring reenactors demonstrating raids, skirmishes around recreated trenches and fi ghting positions. Free. Illinois State Military Museum, 1301 N. MacArthur Blvd, 761-3910.

Veteran Experience-Judge Richard Mills, Army (Ret.) Nov 7, 2-3pm Sat. US District Judge Richard Mills, a Major General in the Illinois State Militia and a retired Colonel in the Army. Free to public. kwnm.org. Korean War National Museum Denis J. Healy Freedom Center, 9 South Old State Capitol Plaza, 523-7230.

Veteran Experience-LTC Bernie Goulet, Army (Ret.) Nov 7, 3-4pm Sat. Goulet served in the Army during the Korean War and will discuss his experiences in Korea. Free to public. kwnm.org. Korean War National Museum Denis J. Healy Freedom Center, 9 South Old State Capitol Plaza, 523-7230.

Health

Depression/Bipolar Disorder Support Group Nov 10, 17, 6:30-8pm Tue. Support for those affected by a mood disorder, including friends and family. Free. 217-761-4710. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St., 528-3407.

FREE HIV Testing Nov 5-6, 9-13, 16-18, 12-3pm Mon-Fri, Phoenix Center, 109 E. Lawrence Ave., 528-5253.

GROW in Illinois Mental Health Nov 5, 12, 6:30pm Thu, 6:30pm Thu. 12-step support program for emotional, mental health issues, coping or addictions. Thursdays. 816-1083. Laurel United Methodist Church, 631 S. Grand Ave. W., 525-1866.

Memory Loss Conference for Professionals Nov 13, 8:30am-4:30pm Fri. For health care professionals. Discuss latest dementia, Alzheimer’s research, learn about the use of the arts in the care of dementia patients, gain better ways to communicate with patients with dementia. Registration. siumed.edu/alz. 217-545-7199. Hope Church, 3000 Lenhart Road, 787-1446.

Faith & Philosophy

Christ. Community. Coffee. Nov 8, 15, 9-10am Sun. First United Methodist Church, 2941 S. Koke Mill Road, 793-9760.

Sports & Fitness

Fighting Illini Basketball Nov 8, 15, 7pm Sun, 7pm Sun, 7pm Fri. springfi eldpc3.com. Prairie Capital Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800- 745-3000.

Girls on the Run Star Power 5K Nov 7, 10am Sat. Family-friendly festival at 8:30am features face and hair painting, activities, photo ops. 3.2-mile race at 10am. Post-race activities until 12pm. Advance: $30 adults, $20 youth. Day of: $35 adults, $25 youth. GOTRcentralillinois.org. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-2200.